At nearly 80 students, North Bellmore’s fifth grade orchestra rivals the size of a philharmonic orchestra. Playing at that level may be years away for the young musicians, but their dedication to their craft is comparable. 

Once per six-day cycle, the fifth grade orchestra gets together at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School for morning rehearsals. It consists of students from the district’s five elementary schools and features violin, viola, cello and bass players. Conducting the group is first-year orchestra teacher Patrice Ryan. 

Currently, the ensemble is working on three pieces for the spring concert, “Arco-ology,” “Entry of the Tumblers” and “Spy Rock.” They will showcase their talents at the district orchestra concert on May 12. 

Lisa Uckardes conducts the district’s sixth grade orchestra, which meets at Martin Avenue Elementary School on the same mornings as the fifth grade ensemble. In addition to their full-group rehearsals, students from both groups take part in small-group lessons with Ms. Ryan and Ms. Uckardes at their schools. 

 

Click here to view the Orchestra Students are Becoming String Savvy slideshow.

 

Date Added: 3/26/2025

Second graders at John G. Dinkelmeyer explored the different parts of the planet that they call home. For a science unit on landforms, students made 3D models of the different physical components of the Earth. 

They landforms that students studied included beaches, glaciers, islands mountains, plains, plateaus, valleys and several kinds of water bodies. For their models, they used supplies from home as well as paint and modeling clay provided by their teachers. Students made fictitious versions of these landforms, often naming these features after themselves.  

 

Click here to view the A 3D Landform Lesson at JGD slideshow.

 

Date Added: 3/21/2025

Before it was time to get down to business, North Bellmore School District Board of Education trustees, administrators and the public were treated to a musical delight. The district’s sixth grade Festival Band opened the March 13 meeting at Martin Avenue Elementary School with a pair of songs.

The performance celebrated Music in Our Schools Month and the district’s commitment to music education. The Festival Band includes sixth graders from all five elementary schools and is directed by Skylar Berkley and Christopher D’Orio.

“This talented group of musicians represents the dedication, perseverance and enthusiasm that make our district so special,” said Saw Mill Road Elementary School Assistant Principal Daniel Madden, administrative liaison to the music program. “Through every note they play, these students showcase not only their musical growth but also their ability to collaborate and rise to new challenges – skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom. Their journey is a testament to the power of the arts in shaping confident, passionate learners who are ready to make their mark on the world.”

Under the direction of Mr. D’Orio, the band played “Royal Crown March.” Ms. Berkley then led the ensemble in “Alpha Squadron.”

Superintendent Marie Testa recognized all of the district’s music teachers and noted that the program supports the mission of developing well-rounded students. She added that the performance reflects the joy and value that music brings to people’s lives.

“North Bellmore has an exemplary music education program,” she said. “We want to celebrate our students and our teachers.”

 

Click here to view the Festival Band Delights Audience at BOE Meeting slideshow.

 

Date Added: 3/18/2025

Young scientists got a close-up look at the smallest components of life during a lesson on cell systems at John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School. Sixth graders worked in small teams and used microscopes to view different kinds of cells. 

Teacher Jim O’Brien said that students have been studying cell theory and learning about the different parts of plant and animal cells. Through the microscopes, they viewed the cells of leaves, grass and organisms in pond water.  

“It brings it to life for them,” Mr. O’Brien said. “All of the sudden, it’s no longer just a picture in a book.” 

He added that the process allowed students to assume the role of scientists in conducting an experiment, recording observations and discussing their findings with each other. The sixth graders worked on their microscope skills by learning how to focus on a specimen, switch objective lenses and create their own slides.

 

Click here to view the Microscopes Spark Scientific Discovery slideshow.

 

Date Added: 3/11/2025

 

In the spirit of Caine’s Arcade, second graders a John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School used basic supplies to make exciting games.

Students watched “Caine’s Arcade,” a 2012 documentary about a boy who made a cardboard arcade at his father’s auto parts store. Inspired by this, Dinkelmeyer second graders then got to work on their own games.

Teacher Jennifer Kafka said that students had to come up with a concept for a game as well as the rules. During the engineering design process, they created sketches and identified materials they would need. After bringing in supplies from home, students worked together to build, test and tinker.

All of the games were set up in the cafeteria and students from the school were invited to come in and play. The project was a great way for students to use their creativity and stretch the limits of their imaginations, while also promoting compassion, friendship and kindness.